Last year there were over 280,000 burglaries according to the Home Office - so we could see an increase of more than 140,000 burglaries nationally by December. This could mean UK homeowners face losing over £421 million of stolen belongings.

Homeowners can reduce their risk and prevent the prediction from becoming a reality.

History shows that when unemployment rises we also see an increase in crime and unfortunately the latest Home Office figures obviously show an upward trend in domestic burglary.

Ensuring windows and doors are properly locked, sheds are secured and properties kept in good order can all deter the opportunist burglars who are looking to make a profit from your home.

Top things stolen:

• Multimedia - games, consoles and DVDs make up a huge percentage of belongings stolen in burglaries
  


• Cameras
  


• Computers
  


• Mobile Phones
  


• MP3 Players/IPods

Most burglars will also steal any keys they can find, including your car keys!


Getting in!

Surprisingly burglars still target the front and then back doors first. Homeowners make it easy by either leaving them unlocked or not properly secured!

Rear ground floor windows, patio and French doors and garage doors are also common targets.

Repeat victimisation

Sadly it is quite common for victims of burglary to be targeted again - homes are full of newly replaced belongings and often security hasn´t been improved at the property.

Security Tips

It might seem basic, but make sure you lock your doors and windows properly when you´re not home. If you have special window locks or padlocks on sheds or garages, use them!

Don´t leave valuable items on display - thieves are like magpies and will notice that sparkly ring on your window sill.

Don´t leave tell tale clues that you might not be home, like a build up of milk bottles, parcels or post. If you´re going away, cancel deliveries and ask a neighbour to do a quick check of your home every couple of days.

Install timers to switch lights or radios on and off automatically if you´re not home.

Stay tidy - faulty fence work, loose gates, rubbish in the front garden, all give the impression that your home could be an easy target. A well cared for property and garden provides another psychological barrier to the burglar, so trim hedges, repair woodwork and brickwork - remember to put away anything that can be used to gain entry including tools, ladders and DIY debris.